boil instantaneously. He’s got scuffed boots on with brown jeans and a green Henley that fits him well. She’s even more lovely than I remember in a dusty-rose dress that falls to her knees, but her bare legs give me a start.
He stands up as I demand, “Where’s your cast?” glancing to a female doctor who’s about to leave. “You the orthopedist?”
“I am. My name is Dr. Eudy,” she nods warily, thanks to my tattoos and intimidating size. Troy is tall, too, but he doesn’t look as pissed as I do.
“You took off her cast?”
“Doesn’t take long. Fact is, it was due last week but we decided to wait since the regrowth has been so promising.”
The good news swings my head over to ask her, “Mar, you can dance again?”
She nods, biting her lip on a smile. “It’s not over for me.”
It hits me hard, relief almost overwhelming. I rush to her, and understand why Troy had knelt down to take her hands, because I have to do the same. He’s standing by us as I drop down. “That’s incredible! I can’t believe it!”
Beaming at me, her voice is breathy with emotion as she squeezes my hands. “I didn’t want to hope.” Tears spring to her enormous eyes and Troy groans behind me.
“Here we go again.”
She flicks a look to him. “Oh, shut up,” but the reproach is filled with love.
Love.
Was I gone that long?
And just like that, my spirits crash to the ground so fast they make a hole we all can see. I stand up, rake my hair and scan the room. Everyone can tell I’m upset. This isn’t rage, it’s something else I can’t put a finger on.
Oh.
I know what it is.
Regret.
My voice is deepened by it as I clear my throat and give a single nod. “That’s great news.” I turn to the doctor so I don’t have to watch the happy couple. “Good work, Eudy.”
“She was a great patient. Most of mine don’t rest like they’re told to. They’re too eager to get back to normal living and in the process injure themselves, deepening the fracture, or worse. Some grow back disfigured and there’s little I can do about it when they don’t come to me early enough. I’ve had to re-set more bones than I care to. But not with Marion. Her leg had the chance to heal that it needed.”
There’s a huge smile in her voice as Mar offers news that cuts me to my core. “Troy helped. He did all of my errands for me. Cooked me meals. Kept me company while I watched girly-movies.”
I lock eyes with him. He knows I’m jealous, and he feels guilty about it. But didn’t I ask for this? Didn’t I tell her she’d never feel my kiss again?
“We all need friends like that. You can check out at the nurse’s station, Marion. It was a pleasure.”
“Thank you, Doctor Eudy.”
We watch her go, and as soon as she’s gone, Marion looks at me, the sweet smile gone. “How were the Florida Keys?”
I cock my head.
She’s jealous, too.
What the fuck?
She’s not satisfied with one guy?
She still wants two?
The door opens and we all look over.
“Daddy!”
My stomach turns as David walks in wearing a suit, his tie perfect. “Well well well, look who’s got her cast off!” Passing me, he claps a hand on my shoulder. “Hey Jack, when did you get back in town?”
“Today.”
“Poker on again?”
“You bet.”
“Great.” He focuses on our friend. “Troy. Good to see you. Thanks for driving her. It took a load off my mind.” Bending to kiss Marion’s cheek, he explains, “I only have a few minutes, kid. I’m driving back to my office.”
Her beautiful face is riddled with skepticism. “Late lunch?”
“Kind of.”
“Dad.”
He chuckles awkwardly and slides a glance around before landing back on her. “Had an errand to run after a lunch meeting.”
“I didn’t realize people named girls “Errand” now. I’ve heard of Erin, but…”
“Marion,” he laughs, rubbing his smooth jaw. “This is about you getting better, right? Look at that leg! Like new.”
“Dad…!”
One more glance swings by. “Oh, alright, I’m among friends. And I needed to tell you sometime. I just didn’t want to make this grand moment about me.” Taking a deep breath, he announces, “I was at city hall applying for a marriage license.”
Air leaves the room.
Troy and I glance to Marion.
She is frozen. Doesn’t even blink, pouty lips parted in shock.
David chuckles nervously, “See, that’s the reaction I expected to get.”
“Did you propose already?”
“Yes.”
“Who is she?”
“Mar…”
“Who the hell